Petroleum Engineering

I live in Louisiana, so petroleum engineering is a very common field to partake in due to the large oil industry of the area. It is known for high starting salaries, but also it is common knowledge that many petroleum engineers must work on oil rigs. Their main line of work lies in the process of extracting oil, a very complex process.
A complete overview of this career is can be found at http://www.careeroverview.com/petroleum-engineering-careers.html
It's not very long so I will just provide you with what the website says:
Discovery of natural sources, examination of natural characteristics, and development of modern machinery for extraction and processing—all fall under the scope of petroleum engineers Petroleum engineers are engaged in the globe world for oil and natural gas reservoirs. After they discover there reservoirs, they are involved in working with geologists and other specialists for examining the geologic formation and the nature of the rock containing the reservoir, determining the drilling methods to be used, and monitoring the drilling and production activities. They also work on designing tools and operation procedures in order to gain efficiency in the recovery of oil and gas. Computers are used extensively by petroleum engineers in order to calculate the nest possible method of recovery of petroleum from different reservoirs. Models and designs of drilling and other equipment are also simulated on computers.

Keep in mind, though, the current crisis in the Gulf with BP and the policies the government is leaning toward when thinking about this field. Once again, if you have any questions I will willingly seek the answer and relay it to you as soon as possible.